1 B2 neutral
To extend outward in a long, winding, snake-like line.
"The queue snaked out of the cinema and around the corner of the building."
inseparable
snake out
C1 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
To extend or move outward in a winding, snake-like manner.
In plain English
To stretch out in a long, curving line like a snake.
What does "snake out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 neutral
To pull or draw something out slowly in a winding motion (often a cable, hose, or drain snake).
"The plumber snaked out the blockage from the drainpipe."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move out in the manner of a snake — in a long, winding path.
Actually means
To stretch out in a long, curving line like a snake.
Usage tip
Used both literally (a queue or road snaking out) and in technical contexts (pulling a drain snake out of a pipe). Also used for reaching out an arm or limb in a sinuous way. Primarily found in descriptive writing.
Words that pair with "snake out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
queue road line drain arm cable
How to conjugate "snake out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
snake out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
snakes out
he/she/it
Past simple
snaked out
yesterday
Past participle
snaked out
have + pp
-ing form
snaking out
continuous
Hear "snake out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "snake out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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